Colts WR T.Y. Hilton burnt the Seattle defense for 5 catches, a career-high 140 yards, and 2 touchdowns.
We have a new member of the isportsweb NFL Power Rankings Top 5: The Indianapolis Colts. The Colts, led by quarterback Andrew Luck and wide receiver T.Y. Hilton, shocked everyone with yet another come from behind win after defeating the previously unbeaten (and fellow top-5 member) Seattle Seahawks 34-28. It was a wild game that featured two special teams scores (a blocked punt for a safety by the Seahawks and a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown by Indy), and each team landing haymakers one after the other in an attempt to win the game. At one point, both quarterbacks had nearly identical stats (15-27 for 209 yards and 2 TDs by Luck, 15-27 for 210 yards and 2 TDs by Seahawks QB Russell Wilson).
In the end however, it came down to who made the first (or last, depending on who you look at it) mistake – and that was Wilson. With the Colts leading by six and a little more than a minute to play, Seattle tried throwing the ball down field as they had no timeouts remaining. Facing a 4th and 15 from their own 37, Wilson threw the ball on a deep out intended for Sidney Rice that was intercepted by Colts CB Darius Butler, ending the game.
With that victory, the Colts (whom are now 2-0 against the vaunted NFC West) have cemented themselves as legitimate contenders for post-season glory. They do have one major obstacle waiting for them though: week seven opponent and 5-time power rankings #1 team Denver. If they win that game (assuming they are able to beat San Diego Monday night), then Indy will be the clear cut #1 team in the NFL. But that’s a BIG if.
Now on to the rankings:
1. Denver Broncos (Last week: 1)
The Broncos have a gimme this week against Jacksonville, which should be little more than practice for their Sunday night game against the Colts on October 14th.
2. New Orleans Saints (Last week: 2)
Could Jimmy Graham be any more ridiculous?
3. Kansas City Chiefs (Last week: 5)
I still don’t know how this team is undefeated, but they make things happen. Their next real challenge might not come until November 17th, when they play Denver for the first time this year.
Alex Smith and the Chiefs join Denver and New Orleans as the last three unbeaten teams.
4. Indianapolis Colts (Last week: 9)
Last week I said the Seattle game was a big test, and they passed it. Indy definitely belongs up here for now, and they now own sole possession of first place in the AFC South.
5. Seattle Seahawks (Last week: 3)
They lost a hard-fought game to a good team. I don’t think they need to be penalized too much for that.
6. Green Bay Packers (Last week: 7)
The smacked down the Megatron-less Lions at home. The Packers are still top-10 for now even with a .500 record.
7. Detroit Lions (Last week: 4)
The Lions better hope Calvin Johnson is able to make a fast comeback this week. Things got ugly without him.
8. San Francisco 49ers (Last week: 11)
After tough losses to the Colts and Seahawks, the 49ers have bounced back nicely with wins over St. Louis and Houston.
9. Chicago Bears (Last week: 8)
Fret not, Bears fans. the cure to all your ills will come this week against the Giants.
10. New England Patriots (Last week: 6)
Tom Brady failed to score a touchdown for the first time since cavemen were painting on walls in an ugly loss to the Bengals.
Kiss that consecutive games with a touchdown streak bye-bye, Tommy.
11. Cincinnati Bengals (Last week: 16)
Andy Dalton needs to find consistency if the Bengals want to be taken seriously.
12. Miami Dolphins (Last week: 10)
Suddenly, the Colts lone loss to the Dolphins doesn’t seem all that understandable.
13. Tennessee Titans (Last week: 12)
Sad as it is to say, the Titans still look like the 2nd best team in their division.
14. Cleveland Browns (Last week: 15)
Brian Hoyer is now out for the season, but Brandon Weeden played OK against Buffalo. Scoring defensive and special teams touchdowns help too.
15. Baltimore Ravens (Last week: 20)
Wow, could the Ravens be anymore weird this year??
16. Arizona Cardinals (Last week: 18)
If Carson Palmer could stop doing his best Ryan Leaf impressions (on the field) this team might be kind of decent.
17. Dallas Cowboys (Last week: 19)
Why do they move up 2 spots after losing? They went toe-to-toe with the Broncos, and lost on a last second field goal. I give them credit for that.
18. Houston Texans (Last week: 13)
Matt Schaub: You officially suck, sir.
Texans QB Matt Schaub winds up for yet another pick-six.
19. San Diego Chargers (Last week: 14)
Their defense is terrible, and they have a real challenge this Monday against Indianapolis.
20. Philadelphia Eagles (Last week: 25)
Maybe Mike Vick being hurt won’t be so terrible. The Eagles will at least get to see what they have in back up QB Nick Foles.
21. New York Jets (Last week: 26)
I can honestly say that I did NOT see that win over Atlanta coming. The Jets start to get some respect here.
Geno and the Jets are starting to earn some respect in the isportsweb power rankings.
22. Atlanta Falcons (Last week: 17)
10-7-2013. That is the day your season officially died, Atlanta.
23. Minnesota Vikings (Last week: 23)
Bye week. They have a very winnable game against the Panthers this week.
24. Washington Redskins (Last week: 24)
Ditto bye week, but they have a tough game against division rival Dallas on Sunday night.
25. Oakland Raiders (Last week: 28)
Terrelle Pryor is starting to show Oakland’s faith in him might not be misplaced.
26. St. Louis Rams (Last week: 27)
A win over the Jags doesn’t really mean a whole lot, but they do move up one spot (hey, that rhymes).
27. Buffalo Bills (Last week: 23)
Losing E.J. Manuel and starting a practice squad QB? Uh-oh in Buffalo (last rhyme, I promise).
Can the Bills survive without E.J. Manuel?
28. Carolina Panthers (Last week: 24)
Cam Newton is starting to show my fantasy faith in him IS misplaced.
29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Last week: 29)
The Bucs bring the Mike Glennon show once again at home against the Eagles.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers (Last week: 30)
Who thought that the Jets would be a tough game for the Steelers to win before the season started?
31. New York Giants (Last week: 31)
It’s almost like the Giants want to get the #1 overall pick.
32. Jacksonville Jaguars (Last week: 32)
A historic 28 point spread against Denver. That has to hurt some egos.
Biggest risers (tied): Indianapolis, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York Jets (+5)
Biggest fallers (tied): Houston, San Diego, Atlanta (-5)
Follow me on Twitter @IrishColt1

This article first appeared on isportsweb.com and was syndicated with permission.

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